Obama Center

Team: Aras Burak, Aris Kozmidis

Date: 2015

Type: Competition (1st Prize)

Location: Chicago, IL / USA

Obama Presidential Library is proposed as an iconic building on the edge of Chicago loop. Unlike the other Presidential Libraries of the past, Obama Library is designed to be more than a mausoleum or vault-like building.

A public element, “The Bridge of Hope” connects three river banks and is located at the ground level, running through a bowl shaped amphitheater forming the lower section of the sphere. It was designed for discussions and allowing for unexpected participation, as well as for potentially uncomfortable moments with no barriers of solid walls or glass as a demonstration of true democracy.
Spaces with higher security requirement are stacked on top of this amphitheater level in 8 levels which imitate the bridge in their form, which host the records and the galleries for the 8 years of Obama presidency, opening up to the city on each end, providing pleasant views.

The shield like facade is a translucent surface which allows the limits of the sphere to blend with the sky, making the sphere feel like a soft object on the edge of Chicago loop.

Book

Every project has an individual book containing essays, drawings and visualizations in progress. Our bookstore is BoOK under Reading Office, you can make purchases for the actual project books using our partner website. readingoffice.com/book

Jobs

We are motivated to form a strong design team. If you believe you will fit in our work environment and you are up for sharing the challenge to inspire and question our profession, contact us. Currently we are not hiring. Please send your applications as a PDF file (not larger than 10MB) to HR@buildingoffice.net we will contact you when we need a new team member.